Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, MOUAU, Professor Nneoma Obasi, has advised women to intentionally take care of themselves so as to remain healthy and discharge their onerous tasks both in the family and workplace.
The DVC who delivered a keynote speech during this year’s International Women’s Day celebration held Tuesday at the university, said that multiple tasks discharged by women put them under pressure, hence they need to be intentional in their well-being to avoid early grave.
She warned: “You must take care of yourself because if you die, your husband will take another wife, your children will have a step mother, but your siblings will lose their sister.”
Professor Obasi encouraged women to eat balanced diet, and to strike a balance between their career and family responsibilities.
She urged them to avoid working under stress because of its dangers.
“Avoid stress. When children collapse they get up after few minutes but at our age, it usually results into ‘one minute silence’.”
Professor Obasi who argued that “men cannot bear half of the stress women often pass through,” urged men to assist their wives discharge their responsibilities with ease.
“You need househelp. If anybody says you don’t, let him help in washing the plates and keeping the house,” she told women.
The DVC, however, admonished women never to drag headship with their husbands even if they were the breadwinner of their families.
According to her, such needles strife, could plunge the family into avoidable crisis.
“Don’t struggle for headship with your husband even if he has nothing doing. You saw him before agreeing to marry him. If you had a better offer, you wouldn’t have married him, so, he should command your loyalty.”
She further advised women to create time for their husbands and children, and to avoid putting pressure on their husbands’ pockets.
Earlier in her address, the President of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Women Association, MOUAUWA, and the Vice-Chancellor’s wife, Dr Mrs Nkechinyere Iwe, said women needed encouragement to be able to successfully discharge their multidimensional roles.
She said: “Women play multiple roles in society as professionals, caregivers, leaders, community builders. Many struggle to balance career demands, family responsibilities and personal well-being.
“So, there is need to create supportive environment where women do not have to choose between success at workplace and fulfilment at home.”
The VC’s wife gave this year’s sub-theme for the IWD celebration as: “Accelerate Action in Promoting Work-Family-Social Life Balance for Women.”
Mrs Iwe who said that women in the university had always identified and executed a people-oriented project in the institution, solicited support for their building project.
She explained that they decided to mark the IWD on a convenient date to enable them actualise the project which she expressed the optimism, would be inaugurated during their August meeting.
In his remarks, the e Vice Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Offor Iwe, noted that the reason most countries “are not making progress,” could be traced to their refusal to assign leadership roles to women.
The VC called for recognition of women’s enormous potentials and their proper harnessing for the good of society.
“Most nations lack progress in key sectors of their economy because they have not been intensional in giving women the necessary attention, support and encouragement to manifest their full potential,” he regretted.
The VC who has a female DVC (Academics); female DVC (Administration); and female Registrar, said that “women are so endowed to perform optimally even when engaged in multiple roles.”
He said that achieving a balance between work, family and social life, had become more challenging in view of the economic realities.
“Many women struggle to juggle professional responsibilities, personal commitments, and social well being often leading to stress, burnout and declining health condition. This is why we must accelerated action in promoting work-family-social life balance,” he said.
The VC further said that “a balanced life is not a luxury but a necessity for productivity, happiness and overall well-being.”
He advised women to recognize the importance of social connections and harmonious living as they contribute to the emotional strength and personal growth of all.
Professor Iwe pledged continued support of the university’s management under his watch, for the university women in acrualising their projects.
The VC commended MOUAUWA for its commitment to the cause of women in the university host communities, the girl-child and the university community at large.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the event and the Managing Director, MOUAU Microfinance Bank, Dr Bashir Ogungbangbe, said women are great assets of inestimable value that should ever be cherished and encouraged.
“In time of need, the only person you can see around you is your wife; others may dessert you but a good wife does not,” he declared.
The celebration featured conferment of award of excellence in serving to some deserving personalities including the university female Registrar, Dr Nkeiruka Mbanasor; Professor Ahiaoma Ibegwam, among others.
Pro-chancellor and Chairman Governing Board of the university, Comrade Fidelis Ede represented by his Special Adviser, Comrade Lucky Akabuike, assured the women of solid support of the university Governing Council.
He particularly praised the MOUAUWA President, Dr Mrs Iwe, for her innovative leadership footprints.
Highlight of the celebration was the ground breaking for a shopping complex project embarked upon by the women as their 2025 capital project.
